Can you weld broken CV fab race intercooler?

[702newDriver]

Hello everyone, long story short I bought a cvf race intercooler through eBay and received it with a hole on one of the end tanks. I got my money back and was able to keep the intercooler so now I’m in the dilema of either trying to find someone who can weld it back together or tossing it.

From what I’ve been able to find it’a made from cast aluminum but correct me if I’m wrong. I don’t know the grade of aluminum they use.

Given it’s an intercooler taking what I assume as a good amount of force from the air,if it were possible to repair how likely would you think it would be to break from the force of the air? I got quoted $175 for repair so if consensus agrees that it’s plausible to weld and keep hold then I nab myself intercooler for cheap

Sponsored

 

[KingKona]

You'd have it for $175.00 instead of $530.00, so what do you have to lose?

Get it repaired and see what happens.

And FYI, it's "boost pressures" or "PSIs" not "force of the air".

 

[compprep]

What KingKona said.

 

[702newDriver]

For sure, thank you for your input and for the correct terminology. You’re right the $175 is low enough to gamble on the repair.

 

[ORRadtech]

To play devils advocate, I'm not sure that I'd trust any repair in the area of a mounting bracket. It's pretty obvious that it's a weak point in a new, unmolested part, how will welding affect that area? And what damage to the engine is possible if it fails when under boost?
Not saying any of that will happen but is the chance of saving $350 worth risking paying $700 and maybe damaging the engine?

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Any competent welder can take care of that no problem. $80 tops.

 

[KingKona]

To play devils advocate, I'm not sure that I'd trust any repair in the area of a mounting bracket. It's pretty obvious that it's a weak point in a new, unmolested part, how will welding affect that area? And what damage to the engine is possible if it fails when under boost?
Not saying any of that will happen but is the chance of saving $350 worth risking paying $700 and maybe damaging the engine?

A proper weld is stronger than the material it fixed.

There is 0 chance of damaging anything else if it breaks, it would just be an inconvenience.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Aside from actual rod/stick welding, JB Weld that sucker.... you'd be surprised at what JB Weld can fix - and yes, it can be as strong as welding rods/sticks... Also JB Weld has a variety of products now, not just for a single type of metal.

Just a suggestion if you're looking to save $$$... besides, you're already on the winning side because you did get your refund but also were able to keep the unit...

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Aside from actual rod/stick welding, JB Weld that sucker.... you'd be surprised at what JB Weld can fix - and yes, it can be as strong as welding rods/sticks... Also JB Weld has a variety of products now, not just for a single type of metal.

Just a suggestion if you're looking to save $$$... besides, you're already on the winning side because you did get your refund but also were able to keep the unit...

TIG....

 

[Cobra Jet]

TIG....

Correction indeed... LOL - thanks, wasn't totally tuned in with my response...

 

[K4fxd]

I've fixed lots of stuff with JB weld.

Any competent welding shop can fix that piece.

 

[AZlb5.0]

I had to repair a wiper arm once on an Audi suv. It snapped down where it connected to the motor. Used JB weld and it was easy peasy, never had an issue with it again.

 

[702newDriver]

Thanks for everyone's input. Spoke to the shop manager and he said the lady who gave me bad information over the phone and underquoted me severely.

The shop manager said he would be able to do it in about 3 hours at a rate of $140hr but would just do it for $350 for the underquote.

He also told me there's a 50/50 shot of the weld taking hold. Given the new increased cost, I'll probably try the JB weld since it's on that mountain bracket area. Thankfully the shop manager also told me that since the cost to repair is almost the cost of a new intercooler I should give JB weld a shot to save money as he's seen it work to hold a car together to drive.

Any tips for prepping the metal surface for the JB weld?

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Thanks for everyone's input. Spoke to the shop manager and he said the lady who gave me bad information over the phone and underquoted me severely.

The shop manager said he would be able to do it in about 3 hours at a rate of $140hr but would just do it for $350 for the underquote.

He also told me there's a 50/50 shot of the weld taking hold. Given the new increased cost, I'll probably try the JB weld since it's on that mountain bracket area. Thankfully the shop manager also told me that since the cost to repair is almost the cost of a new intercooler I should give JB weld a shot to save money as he's seen it work to hold a car together to drive.

Any tips for prepping the metal surface for the JB weld?

Go to a different shop.

 

[K4fxd]

I just re-looked at the photos. The piece is cast aluminum. I'm no welding expert but I think it might be like cast Iron to weld properly.

Sponsored